Solar Development Packaging Technician

SUMMARY

The primary role of the Solar Development Packaging Technician is to support the development, implementation and optimization of thin-film high-volume production of PV (solar) module finished products. 

REPORTS TO: Principal Scientist

LOCATION: Rochester, NY

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

  • Device fabrication: plan, prepare, assemble and document device assembly for testing and improve R&D device assembly process
  • Device characterization: develop and conduct mechanical testing, aging, and functional testing of device assemblies and component layers.  
  • Laboratory Support: Maintain laboratory needs – supplies, equipment maintenance, cleanliness protocols
  • Plan and execute experiments on labscale equipment. Analyze results to inform next steps for continued improvement. 
  • Conduct tests and monitor product and process performance throughout the process, and make recommendations on improvement opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain process related documents.
  • Identify equipment requirements/specifications, and assist with supplier selection.
  • Evaluate processes and equipment to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
  • Assist with planning production line layout and startup.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: 

  • Experience and/or strong interest in solar or renewable energy
  • Experimental testing and data collection in an R&D environment
  • Design of Experiments
  • Equipment maintenance and repair
  • Prototype fabrication and specification development

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION: 

  • Associates or Batchlors degree in a technical/engineering field, 
  • Polymer processing education or experience
  • 5 or more years of experience

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES: 

  • Good record-keeping, analytical thinker.
  • Excellent team rapport with all levels of the organization, and with external suppliers and consultants.
  • Hands-on, flexible, proactive attitude to completing objectives

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

  • Experience developing or using thin-film, multi-layer, or laminated products or processes
  • Experience with adhesive and peel / shear mechanical testing
  • Thin film solar technology, solar cell manufacturing, or multilayer battery manufacturing
  • Knowledge of roll-to-roll processing equipment including unwinding and winding, splicing, in-line printing and coating, laminating, and other web-based processes. 
  • Thin film coating processes including Vacuum deposition, Atomic layer deposition, sputtering or similar 
  • Knowledge and experience with one of more of the following: gravure coating; slot die coating; flexo printing; laser patterning.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bending/twisting/pulling/pushing
  • Manipulation and positioning of small delicate parts
  • Lifting up to 40 lbs.

SALARY RANGE

$70,000 – $100,000 depending on experience and education.